Simplified method for cleaning production tools used for metal forming

Abstract

Chemical method of cleaning metallic residue from forming tools utilizing the application of a caustic material including base or mild acid to the tool for a short period of time. The caustic material is held in substantially fixed relation for a period of time to dislodge the metallic residue followed by neutralization or removal.

1. A method of cleaning adhered non-ferrous metal build-up present after deformation of a work piece from a deformation tool, the method comprising the steps of:
 (a) applying a solution of caustic material directly to the surface of the deformation tool so as to contact the adhered non-ferrous metal build-up; 
 (b) holding the solution of caustic material in place across the surface of the deformation tool for approximately 5 minutes to substantially dislodge the adhered non-ferrous metal build-up from the surface of the deformation tool, wherein the solution of caustic material is applied using a saturated cloth held in place across the deformation tool; 
 (c) optionally applying ultrasonic vibration to the solution of caustic material during the holding step; and 
 (d) neutralizing or removing the caustic material. 
 
     
     
       2. The method according to  claim 1  wherein the solution of caustic material is in the form of a gel. 
     
     
       3. The method according to  claim 1  wherein the solution of caustic material comprises NaOH. 
     
     
       4. The method according to  claim 1  wherein the solution of caustic material comprises KOH. 
     
     
       5. The method according to  claim 1  wherein the solution of caustic material comprises an acid selected from the group consisting of acetic acid and phosphoric acid. 
     
     
       6. The method according to  claim 1  wherein the holding step is performed at temperatures in the range of 50-100° C. 
     
     
       7. A method of cleaning adhered non-ferrous metal buildup present after deformation of a work piece from a steel stamping tool, comprising the steps of:
 (a) applying a solution of caustic material directly to the surface of the steel stamping tool so as to contact the adhered non-ferrous metal buildup; 
 (b) holding the solution of caustic material in place across the surface of the steel stamping tool for approximately 5 minutes to substantially dislodge the adhered non-ferrous metal buildup from the surface of the steel stamping tool, wherein the solution of caustic material is applied using a saturated cloth held in place across the steel stamping tool; 
 (c) applying ultrasonic vibration to the solution of caustic material during the holding step; and 
 (d) neutralizing or removing the caustic material. 
 
     
     
       8. The method according to  claim 7  wherein the metal buildup comprises aluminum. 
     
     
       9. The method according to  claim 7  wherein the metal buildup comprises magnesium. 
     
     
       10. The method according to  claim 7  wherein the metal buildup comprises titanium. 
     
     
       11. The method according to  claim 7  wherein the solution of caustic material is in the form of a gel. 
     
     
       12. The method according to  claim 7  wherein the solution of caustic material comprises NaOH. 
     
     
       13. The method according to  claim 7 , wherein the solution of caustic material comprises KOH. 
     
     
       14. The method according to  claim 7  wherein the solution of caustic material comprises an acid selected from the group consisting of acetic acid and phosphoric acid. 
     
     
       15. The method according to  claim 7  wherein the holding step is performed at temperatures in the range of 50-100° C. 
     
     
       16. A method of cleaning adhered non-ferrous metal buildup present after deformation of a work piece from a steel stamping tool, comprising the steps of:
 (a) applying a solution of caustic material directly to the surface of the steel stamping tool so as to contact the adhered non-ferrous metal buildup; 
 (b) holding the solution of caustic material in place in substantially static relation across the surface of the steel stamping tool for approximately 5 minutes to substantially dislodge the adhered non-ferrous metal buildup from the surface of the steel stamping tool, wherein the solution of caustic material is applied using a saturated cloth held in place across the steel stamping tool; and 
 (c) neutralizing or removing the caustic material, wherein the adhered non-ferrous metal buildup comprises aluminum and wherein the holding step is performed at temperatures in the range of 50-100° C. 
 
     
     
       17. The method according to  claim 16  wherein the solution of caustic material is in the form of a gel.